Author Archive

On August 31, 2018, a five-year grant to develop, operate and evaluate foreclosure mediation pilot programs across Illinois will conclude. Funded by settlements obtained by the Office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, this grant allowed Resolution Systems Institute and our partners statewide to assist over 1,000 homeowners in saving their homes and an additional 3,000 homeowners in sitting down with their lenders to get clarity about available options in addressing their foreclosures. We produced a comprehensive evaluation in 2015, and will be publishing a follow-up later this fall, which examine and contrast how different program models affect outcomes – making it a valuable resource not just for Illinoisans, but for ADR program administrators anywhere.

We are truly grateful to AG Madigan, our partners, stakeholders and the Illinois courts who made these outcomes possible.

Yesterday, during our summer staff gathering in Rockford, we received a wonderful surprise! During our picnic, Matthew Flores, Assistant City Attorney for the City of Rockford, presented Susan Yates, RSI’s Executive Director, with a Proclamation signed by the City of Rockford Mayor Thomas McNamara which declared July 11, 2018 as Resolution Systems Institute Day!

In 2013, RSI received a grant from the Illinois Attorney General to incubate foreclosure mediation in Illinois. In November 2014, RSI began the 17th Judicial Circuit Court Foreclosure Mediation program. By the end of 2017, RSI assisted 694 homeowners with 202 home retentions. RSI’s grant will be ending August 31, 2018, at which time the 17th Circuit Foreclosure Mediation program will be taken over by the court.

RSI is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the 17th Judicial Circuit and thanks Mayor McNamara for the recognition.

The Board and Staff of RSI would like to congratulate Kent Lawrence on his receipt of the Decalogue Society of Lawyers​ Hon. Gerald C. Bender Humanitarian Award. The Hon. Gerald C. Bender Humanitarian Award is presented to individuals whose excellence and dedication demonstrate commitment to strive for justice by serving the community.

Kent Lawrence is a founder of RSI and continues to be a steadfast support of our mission of strengthening the justice system by enhancing alternative dispute resolution.

Were it not for the vision of Kent Lawrence, RSI would not exist and countless litigants would not have benefited from alternative forms of dispute resolution.